Rugby League World Cup 2026
Join us in Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea this October-November.
The Rugby League World Cup 2026 (RLWC 2026) is shaping up to be one of the biggest global rugby league events ever staged. Designed as a replacement tournament for the postponed 2025 edition, this multi-format championship will bring together the best men’s, women’s, and wheelchair teams from across the world.
With matches hosted across Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea, fans can expect world-class action, electric stadium atmospheres, and a celebration of rugby league culture on a global stage.
Rugby League World Cup 2026
🏆 Overview of RLWC 2026
The RLWC 2026 is not just a single tournament—it’s a collection of three world cups running alongside each other:
- Men’s Tournament: 10 teams
- Women’s Tournament: 8 teams
- Wheelchair Tournament: 8 teams
- Total Matches: 52
- Host Nations: Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea
This format ensures inclusivity and showcases the growth of rugby league worldwide, making RLWC 2026 a landmark event in the sport’s history.
🌍 Host Countries & Venues
The tournament will span multiple iconic venues across three nations:
- Australia: Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Newcastle, Gold Coast, Wollongong, Townsville
- New Zealand: Christchurch
- Papua New Guinea: Port Moresby
Major stadiums include:
- Allianz Stadium (Sydney)
- Suncorp Stadium (Brisbane)
- CommBank Stadium (Sydney)
- HBF Park (Perth)
- Santos National Football Stadium (Port Moresby)
These venues are known for hosting high-profile rugby league clashes and promise packed crowds and thrilling atmospheres.
2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup Teams, Schedule, and Venues
The 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup is set to bring international rugby league into the spotlight from October 15 to November 15, 2026. Ten men’s national teams will compete across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, with the tournament featuring pool-stage matches followed by two semi-finals and the final.
Australia and New Zealand will provide an immediate blockbuster when they meet in the opening match in Sydney. Other major fixtures include England vs Tonga, Papua New Guinea vs Samoa and the highly anticipated Tonga vs Samoa clash.
For fans looking for the 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup schedule, teams, groups, venues and final date, this guide brings the key tournament information together in an easy-to-follow format.
2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup Quick Facts
| Tournament Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup |
| Start Date | October 15, 2026 |
| Final | November 15, 2026 |
| Men’s Teams | 10 |
| Host Countries | Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea |
| Pools | 3 |
| Semi-Finals | November 7–8 |
| Final Venue | Lang Park, Brisbane |
2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup Teams
A total of 10 national teams are included in the men’s competition. Instead of using equally sized groups, the tournament features one four-team pool and two three-team pools.
Pool A
- Australia
- Cook Islands
- Fiji
- New Zealand
Pool B
- England
- Lebanon
- Samoa
Pool C
- France
- Papua New Guinea
- Tonga
| Pool A | Pool B | Pool C |
| Australia | England | France |
| Cook Islands | Lebanon | Papua New Guinea |
| Fiji | Samoa | Tonga |
| New Zealand | — | — |
The structure creates several interesting matchups during the opening phase. Pool A includes two of international rugby league’s biggest names in Australia and New Zealand, while the other side of the competition includes England and several powerful Pacific nations.
When Does the 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup Start?
The men’s Rugby League World Cup begins on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
The opening fixture will see Australia face New Zealand at Sydney Football Stadium. It gives the competition a major rivalry from its first night rather than waiting until the knockout rounds.
Pool-stage action runs through November 1, after which the four qualifying teams will prepare for the semi-finals.
2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup Schedule
The schedule spreads games across Australia as well as Christchurch in New Zealand and Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea.
Pool A Schedule
| Date | Match | Time | Venue |
| October 15 | Australia vs New Zealand | 8:05 PM AEDT | Sydney Football Stadium |
| October 18 | Fiji vs Cook Islands | 4:05 PM AEDT | Newcastle International Sports Centre |
| October 25 | New Zealand vs Cook Islands | 6:05 PM NZDT | Te Kaha, Christchurch |
| October 25 | Australia vs Fiji | 7:05 PM AEST | Lang Park, Brisbane |
| October 31 | New Zealand vs Fiji | 2:45 PM AEST | Robina Stadium, Gold Coast |
| October 31 | Australia vs Cook Islands | 7:05 PM AEST | North Queensland Stadium, Townsville |
Australia vs New Zealand is clearly one of the headline games in Pool A, but the format gives every fixture importance as teams compete for positions in the knockout stage.
New Zealand will also have the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd when it meets the Cook Islands in Christchurch on October 25.
Pools B and C Schedule
Pools B and C operate alongside each other, creating crossover fixtures between teams from the two groups.
| Date | Match | Time | Venue |
| October 16 | Samoa vs France | 5:45 PM AEDT | Western Sydney Stadium |
| October 17 | Papua New Guinea vs Lebanon | 2:25 PM PNGST | PNG Football Stadium |
| October 17 | England vs Tonga | 5:05 PM AWST | Perth Rectangular Stadium |
| October 23 | Tonga vs Lebanon | 8:05 PM AEDT | Western Sydney Stadium |
| October 24 | Papua New Guinea vs Samoa | 2:25 PM PNGST | PNG Football Stadium |
| October 24 | England vs France | 2:35 PM AWST | Perth Rectangular Stadium |
| October 30 | England vs Papua New Guinea | 8:05 PM AEDT | Wollongong Showground |
| November 1 | Lebanon vs France | 5:50 PM AEDT | Western Sydney Stadium |
| November 1 | Tonga vs Samoa | 8:05 PM AEDT | Western Sydney Stadium |
Several of these fixtures could have a major influence on qualification.
England vs Tonga in Perth gives both sides an important early test, while Papua New Guinea will have home support for matches in Port Moresby.
Another game likely to attract considerable interest is Tonga vs Samoa on November 1. It is also the final scheduled match of this section of the pool stage, making it potentially important to the qualification picture.
How Does the 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup Format Work?
The 2026 men’s competition features a different structure from the traditional four-team-group format.
Pool A contains four teams, while Pools B and C contain three teams each. Teams in Pools B and C also play crossover matches, allowing each side to complete three pool-stage fixtures.
Four teams ultimately progress to the semi-finals.
Pool A supplies two semi-finalists, while two qualifying positions are determined from the combined Pools B and C standings.
This leads directly to the following semi-final structure:
| Semi-Final | Matchup |
| Semi-Final 1 | Pool A runner-up vs Pools B & C winner |
| Semi-Final 2 | Pool A winner vs Pools B & C runner-up |
The winners of those matches advance to the World Cup final.
2026 Rugby League World Cup Semi-Finals
The knockout stage begins less than a week after the completion of the pool matches.
Semi-Final 1
Date: November 7, 2026
Time: 8:05 PM AEDT
Match: Pool A runner-up vs Pools B & C winner
Venue: Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle
Semi-Final 2
Date: November 8, 2026
Time: 8:05 PM AEDT
Match: Pool A winner vs Pools B & C runner-up
Venue: Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Newcastle hosts the first semi-final before attention returns to Sydney for the second knockout match the following day.
2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup Final
The biggest match of the tournament is scheduled for Sunday, November 15, 2026.
| Final Details | Information |
| Date | November 15, 2026 |
| Match | Semi-Final 1 Winner vs Semi-Final 2 Winner |
| Time | 6:35 PM AEST |
| Stadium | Lang Park |
| City | Brisbane |
Brisbane will therefore have the responsibility of crowning the 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup champion.
Lang Park is one of Australia’s best-known rugby league grounds and provides a fitting setting for the tournament’s decisive match.
2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup Venues
The men’s tournament will use stadiums across the three host countries, although the majority of fixtures will be staged in Australia.
Rugby League World Cup Stadiums
| City | Country | Venue | Approx. Capacity |
| Brisbane | Australia | Lang Park | 52,500 |
| Sydney | Australia | Sydney Football Stadium | 42,500 |
| Newcastle | Australia | Newcastle International Sports Centre | 33,000 |
| Parramatta/Sydney | Australia | Western Sydney Stadium | 30,000 |
| Gold Coast | Australia | Robina Stadium | 27,400 |
| Townsville | Australia | North Queensland Stadium | 25,455 |
| Wollongong | Australia | Wollongong Showground | 23,750 |
| Perth | Australia | Perth Rectangular Stadium | 20,500 |
| Christchurch | New Zealand | Te Kaha | 25,000 |
| Port Moresby | Papua New Guinea | PNG Football Stadium | 14,800 |
The choice of locations gives the tournament a broad geographical footprint.
Sydney will stage the opening game and a semi-final, while Brisbane hosts both a pool-stage fixture and the final. Perth, Newcastle, Townsville, Gold Coast and Wollongong add further Australian destinations to the schedule.
New Zealand’s Christchurch and Papua New Guinea’s Port Moresby ensure that the men’s tournament also reaches supporters outside Australia.
Key Matches to Watch at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup
There are plenty of intriguing fixtures before the knockout rounds begin.
Australia vs New Zealand – October 15: The tournament begins with one of international rugby league’s most recognisable rivalries.
England vs Tonga – October 17: An important early test for two teams with serious knockout-stage ambitions.
Papua New Guinea vs Samoa – October 24: Papua New Guinea will have the advantage of playing this fixture at home in Port Moresby.
Tonga vs Samoa – November 1: One of the standout Pacific rivalries closes the Pools B and C schedule.
The results of these games could play a significant role in deciding the four semi-finalists.
2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup FAQs
When is the 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup?
The men’s tournament is scheduled to run from October 15 to November 15, 2026.
How many teams are in the 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup?
There are 10 teams in the men’s competition: Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, England, Lebanon, Samoa, France, Papua New Guinea and Tonga.
Who plays in the opening match?
Australia and New Zealand are scheduled to meet in the tournament opener on October 15 at Sydney Football Stadium.
Where will the 2026 Rugby League World Cup final be played?
The men’s final will take place at Lang Park in Brisbane, Australia, on November 15, 2026.
What time is the 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup final?
The final is scheduled to begin at 6:35 PM AEST.
How many teams reach the semi-finals?
Four teams qualify for the men’s semi-finals.
Where are the 2026 Rugby League World Cup matches being played?
Matches in the men’s competition are scheduled across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, including Brisbane, Sydney, Newcastle, Perth, Townsville, Gold Coast, Wollongong, Christchurch and Port Moresby.
🏉 Teams to Watch
The RLWC 2026 lineup features some of the strongest rugby league nations:
⭐ Top Contenders
- Australia – Defending powerhouse with elite NRL stars
- New Zealand – Tactical and physical dominance
- England – Strong European contender
🔥 Rising Teams
- Samoa – Rapidly improving with international talent
- Tonga – Passionate and unpredictable
- Papua New Guinea – Strong home advantage
🌏 Other Teams
- Fiji
- France
- Lebanon
- Cook Islands
This mix ensures a competitive and unpredictable tournament.
📺 RLWC 2026 Live Stream & Broadcasting
Fans worldwide can watch RLWC 2026 through official broadcasters:
📡 Official Broadcasters
- Australia: Seven Network (Free-to-air)
- Coverage: All men’s, women’s, and wheelchair matches
- New Zealand: Sky Sport (Subscription)
- Coverage: Full tournament access
🌐 Streaming Options
- Official apps and broadcaster platforms
- Smart TVs, mobile devices, and web streaming
- Potential international partners (to be confirmed closer to the event)
For the best experience, fans should check local listings and official apps before kickoff.
🎟️ RLWC 2026 Tickets – Complete Booking Guide
Getting tickets early is crucial, especially for high-demand matches like the opening game and final.
🛒 Where to Buy Tickets
Tickets will be available through the official platform:
👉 Ticketmaster (Australia portal: ticketmaster.com.au)
🧾 Step-by-Step Ticket Booking Guide
1️⃣ Visit the Official Website
Go to ticketmaster.com.au and search:
👉 “Rugby League World Cup 2026”
2️⃣ Choose Your Match
Browse matches by:
- Date
- Team
- Venue
Select your preferred fixture (e.g., Australia vs New Zealand).
3️⃣ Select Seats
You’ll see stadium seating options:
- General admission
- Reserved seating
- Premium/VIP areas
Choose based on your budget and view preference.
4️⃣ Create or Log In to Account
Sign in or create a Ticketmaster account to proceed.
5️⃣ Payment Process
Complete your booking using:
- Credit/Debit cards
- Digital wallets (depending on availability)
6️⃣ Receive Tickets
Tickets will be delivered via:
- Mobile app (recommended)
- Email confirmation
💡 Ticket Tips
- 🎯 Book early for big matches
- 💸 Look for early-bird discounts
- 👨👩👧 Family packages may be available
- 🔄 Check resale options if sold out
✈️ Travel & Matchday Experience
Fans traveling to RLWC 2026 can expect:
- Easy transport links between venues
- Vibrant fan zones and entertainment areas
- Local food, culture, and rugby celebrations
Countries like Australia and New Zealand are known for their world-class sporting infrastructure, ensuring a smooth experience for visitors.
🔥 Why RLWC 2026 Will Be Special
- First major multi-nation rugby league event in the region
- Equal spotlight on men’s, women’s, and wheelchair competitions
- Strong global audience and media coverage
- Competitive balance with emerging nations
This tournament is expected to grow rugby league’s global reach and deliver unforgettable moments.
📌 Final Thoughts
The Rugby League World Cup 2026 promises thrilling action, passionate fans, and elite-level competition across three nations. From the opening clash to the grand final in Brisbane, every match will carry intensity and excitement.
Whether you’re planning to watch live in the stadium or stream from home, RLWC 2026 is an event no rugby league fan should miss.
Upcoming Tournaments
Men’s Tournament
